Awnings

[Lopo]

Boring subject, I suppose, but I'm wondering how often you all (y'all? ) use your awning? My "Dorothy" doesn't have one, and I'm wondering if I would use it if I got one.

[rvgrammy1953]

We use ours every day, unless, the wind is blowing hard...then we bring it in....some folks don't use them very often...Like alot of things, it tends to be a personal choice....

[VickieP]

We use ours during the really hot summer weather to help keep some of the heat off the side of the RV, but only at locations where the wind isn't bad. Now I'm trying to remember what that heat is like!

[Lopo]

It must be ccccold way up north where you are, Vickie, because it's gray and chilly down here. I think I'll look for a used awning and get my savior Jeff to install it. "Dorothy" feels deprived with no awning.

[Bethers]

Let's see - I went full time the summer of 2005. Lost my awning in August (I think) of 2005 and have never replaced it. There are times I'd like to have one - BUT not enough to put out the money, as I'll only get one if it's automatic. Now, my next rig will probably start out with one (manual, knowing my chances) and if that's the case, I probably won't use it often. I've discovered I'm often in areas where it's windy or gets windy - and I have learned - you do NOT leave your awning out in an area where it can get windy even if there is no wind predicted.

[Lopo]

So a power vs. manual is a big deal, huh? Hmmm. A guy in Sarasota seems to have various used ones, and he says he's got a 16' one that's sort of power on one side or something, but since I don't know anything about them, that doesn't mean much to me. He wants $400 for it. I could probably get him down a bit. Would that be a decent price or not?

[JudyJB]

I seldom use mine. Part of the problem is that mine is manual and after a couple of experiences of having to put it up in a hurry in a wind, once in the middle of the night, I pretty much leave it closed. If I could just push a button to put it out and in, that would make a difference. It would also be nice to have one made of mesh so it would not be so sensitive to the wind.

Also, I tend to be working some days and don't always go outside to sit.

One thing they ARE useful for, if positioned right, is shading the outside of the refrigerator in very hot weather. Having that sun shine on the refrigerator can really make it work harder. I am trying to remember to plan spots so that I have that side of the RV facing north, also, but not always successful!!

[VickieP]

So a power vs. manual is a big deal, huh? Hmmm. A guy in Sarasota seems to have various used ones, and he says he's got a 16' one that's sort of power on one side or something, but since I don't know anything about them, that doesn't mean much to me. He wants $400 for it. I could probably get him down a bit. Would that be a decent price or not?

A VERY big deal! our first RV had a manual awning, hardly ever used it. This RV has the power awning & I love being able to just push the button.

Find out what he means by sorta power on one side & let us know. BTW, I thought your RV's name was Frolic, who's Dorothy?

[Bethers]

And also check with Liz who had her awning converted to power.

[snowball]

DH was the one that put the awning out occasionally I would have to help him but never have done it on my own for one thing
it's too high for me sure wish that I had a automatic one would use it
sheila

[Lopo]

Okay. Seems like a power awning definitely matters, and I've worried about the fridge, but mine is on the street side so there's no way to shade it with an awning. And Vickie, sorry about the confusion. Dorothy is my class C that I actually use whereas the Frolic is my 13' vintage trailer that I've been renovating for the past year or two. (I started out just wanting a little vintage trailer without all the systems to manage.)

[linann]

My awning is manual and relatively easy to use. Definitely enjoy sitting under it on a sunny day.

Would only have an electric awning if it could be deployed at different angles. Some only go straight out (very high) which does not do a good job of providing shade. Many electric awnings do not have the lower support bar on each side; without this you cannot use deflappers, which I really prefer. Some electric awnings automatically retract in wind, which is a nice feature since weather can change unexpectedly.

An awning is a must feature for me and most rigs come with awnings. Whether myou prefer manual or electric will depend on the awning's features and how you intend to use it.

[Lopo]

Thanks, Linann. I was looking for the "Like" button. I have a cute vintage awning (that I have to use poles with) for my little vintage trailer. I've even thought of making one of those for the Coachmen, but I'd need to carry a ladder with me to reach the awning rail to slide it in. I can see that I definitely came to the right place to get info on this subject. Everyone's been very helpful!

[VickieP]

I can see that I definitely came to the right place to get info on this subject. Everyone's been very helpful!

You had doubts?

[Lopo]

No, but I don't want any of you to ever feel taken for granted!